🔈TikToker Keith Lee Speaks Out Against Rumors He Is a ‘Thief’

CREATOR ECONOMY NEWSLETTER


Hi everyone, happy Black History Month. We have an exciting line up of features this month celebrating Black creators, activists, business leaders, and stories. Stay tuned!

This week, we’re exploring a viral story about food TikToker Keith Lee, who recently spoke out against false rumors that he stole a producer’s idea for a TV show pilot. In a viral exposĂ©, the producer lamented how unnamed “food critic and thief” took her idea, and users speculated it was Lee. After Lee spoke out, the producer clapped back, claiming she never said she was speaking about Lee in the first place and criticizing Lee for driving hate comments to her page.

As Passionfruit contributor Rebekah Harding explains, this story sparked a debate with many creators and influencers chiming in on the dangers of innuendo, rumors, and miscommunication online. Lawyers also shared with Passionfruit how this case touches on interesting issues of copyright, defamation, and entertainment law. Read more below.


THE DARK SIDE

Food TikToker Keith Lee speaks out against false rumors he stole someone’s TV idea, sparking debate about the dangers of innuendo online


ONE GREAT TIP


NEW FRONTIERS

‘A lot of us are natural storytellers’: NeverEnding caters to a different kind of creator

NeverEnding is an up-and-coming platform that lets camera-shy creatives get a chance to share content via avatars and animation.

By Alexandra Bower, Passionfruit Contributor


IN THE BIZ


TIKTOK MADE ME DO IT

Content for Creators.

News, tips, and tricks delivered to your inbox twice a week.

Newsletter Signup

Latest Newsletters

  • Can You Protect Kids and Speech?

    Can You Protect Kids and Speech?

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #327 | March 27, 2025 – Taylor Lorenz, Passionfruit Contributor  PERSONALITIES We’re Getting a ‘Hawk Tuah’ Documentary Will her comeback last? By Charlotte Colombo, Passionfruit Contributor → READ THE FULL STORY SPONSORED Looking for a side hustle? Working from home can make it a lot easier to find time to make stuff, and Virtual Vocations can show you how and where to…

  • The Cost of a Free Trip

    The Cost of a Free Trip

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #326 | March 25, 2025 – Liz Plank, Passionfruit Contributor PERSONALITIES What Happens When Snark Takes Over Your Community? Ethan Klein is in an all-out war with his former fans and they aren’t backing down. By Steven Asarch, Passionfruit Contributor → READ THE FULL STORY SPONSORED Take back your online privacy with Proton Pass The end-to-end encrypted password manager…

  • Twitch’s Shield Mode Is Troll Armor

    Twitch’s Shield Mode Is Troll Armor

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #325 | March 20, 2025 – Taylor Lorenz, Passionfruit Contributor CULTURE In Defense of the White House Influencer When personal branding meets public service, the lines get blurred. By Andrew Fiouzi, Passionfruit Contributor → READ THE FULL STORY SPONSORED Get started on those taxes Hard to believe it’s almost tax time already, but for a whole host of reasons…